pope benedict xvi saying he is stepping down. a move that took even his closest advisers by surprise and sets the stage for a new era in the catholic church and its bun billion catholics around the world. the 85-year-old pontiff says he doesn't have the strength to continue his duties in the church and will step down at the opened the month. his -- some cardinals not understanding what he said. we're seeing the same reaction from catholics all over the world, including here in the united states, the new york archbishop said he was startled. >> every catholic feels close to the pope. we call him our holy father. it's like watching your own dad get old and admit he is not up to all the duties of being the head of a family. >> the vatican stressing there's no specific medical condition that led to the resignation but the pope's advancing age. he has cut up to on his travel and moves down the aisle on a moving platform, sometimes using a cane. when he was elected nearly eight years after, benedict became the oldest pope chosen in 300